Thinking outside of the box is a must in this industry, says Brant Newman, owner of Xtra Hand. It’s not unusual for challenging and unexpected issues to come up, ones that call for ingenuity and resourcefulness. “Look for somebody who has the ability to think three-dimensionally and solve problems," he says, "especially when you’re dealing in the area of home repairs and remodels, because you never know what you’re going to find when you open up a wall."
Make sure there’s an open line of communication that allows you to follow a job’s progress without feeling uncomfortable when expressing yourself. You should be able to observe what a company does without being afraid to speak up if you don’t like the way things are going. Mr. Newman says it’s always a good idea to approach potential problems in a positive manner. “Remember, you’re paying for the work. If it’s not being done to your liking, you need to speak up,” he insists.
Looking for someone who has a service-oriented approach to their business is definitely the way to go. If your contractor can’t talk with you about those issues in a way that makes you comfortable, it’s probably a good idea to find someone else. Common courtesy in business practices really counts—like showing up on time. “That’s so important,” says Mr. Newman. “If somebody can’t show up on time, and they can’t give you a courtesy phone call, that’s probably the way they do all their business. Their work is likely to be substandard.”
In California, any job valued at $500 or more (including materials) requires, by law, a contractor’s license. “People should actually see that contractor’s license and check it out,” advises Mr. Newman. “Check the Better Business Bureau and Diamond Certified websites. Use these sources to make sure you’re hiring the right person. It’s very important to find somebody you can actually make a connection with, because there are always going to be issues.”
Inquire about whether the company is properly insured. Also, if the job entails disturbing any paint in a pre-1978 house, the company is required to be EPA-certified in lead containment.
Beware of unusually low fees. “Many people think they’re saving money by hiring someone for $15 an hour who might know what they’re doing,” says Mr. Newman. “But if you can’t locate that person if something goes wrong, what value does that money have?” Make certain the person you hire is reliable and readily accessible for follow-up service, if necessary.
